Phil Rizzuto
Date of Birth: 9/25/1917
Rookie Card Year: 1948
Investment Rating: 7.0
Overview
Between 1941 and 1956, Phil Rizzuto was a constant presence for the New York Yankees at shortstop. He was a five-time All-Star and part of seven World Series Championship teams. He also was named the American League MVP in 1950. The fact that he was born and raised in Brooklyn, made Rizzuto a hometown hero. Phil Rizzuto cards are popular with generations of Yankees fans and collectors.
Phil Rizzuto's rookie card has been the subject of debate. His first appearance on cardboard was in the 1941 Double Play set where he is pictured alongside Lefty Gomez. However, his 1948 Bowman card is also treated by collectors as a rookie card.
Additionally, in 1947, Rizzuto had two cards issued that are also collector favorites. One was produced by Tip Top Bread and the other is a Yankees team-issued card.
Rizzuto was fortunate enough to live a long and healthy life. As a result, one of the game's all-time greats has several autographed cards. His first certified autographed card was issued in 1998 Donruss Signature Series. It is serial numbered to 1,000.
His first game-used memorabilia card was released in the 2000 Upper Deck Yankee Legends set. He has two cards that are Legendary Pinstripes inserts, one of which is also accompanied by an autograph. Both cards are not serial numbered and the exact print runs of the cards has never been made public.
Phil Rizzuto's autographed memorabilia is still very popular with collectors. As a key player during the Yankees' glory days, fans and collectors treasure anything signed by him. Balls and photographs are the most commonly found items. However, signed bats and jerseys also exist.
Early Phil Rizzuto Cards
1941 Double Play Phil Rizzuto #61 with Lefty Gomez
This is the earliest Phil Rizzuto card. He shares the card landscape with fellow New York Yankees Hall of Famer, Lefty Gomez. Cards from the 1941 Double Play set are very difficult to locate in good condition. This is true for Rizzuto's card as well. Double Play was one of the few baseball card products released in 1941 and the only one to contain Rizzuto on the checklist.
1948 Bowman Phil Rizzuto #8
This card was a short print in the set. As a result, it carries a premium in terms of value. The awkward photograph is unfortunate given that many collectors identify this card as Rizzuto's rookie card.
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Autograph Guide
Phil Rizzuto Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Phil Rizzuto's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Steiner, Mounted Memories and Tristar. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.
Phil Rizzuto Cut Signature Exemplar:
Phil Rizzuto Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Phil Rizzuto signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- The signature is written in cursive on an even horizontal plane with a distinct lean to the right.
- The majority of the letters are legible.
- The "P" and the "R" have a similar style. The have a loop that extends back to the left in the shape of a guitar pick.
- The "i"s are haphazardly dotted.
- The "'z"s contain loops on the bottom portion of the letter.
- The "t" is crossed in a manner so that the pen does not lift as it flows into the "o."
Phil Rizzuto Signed Baseball Pricing
Active Listings for Phil Rizzuto Signed Baseballs
Phil Rizzuto Signed Bat Pricing
Active Listings for Phil Rizzuto Signed Bats
Phil Rizzuto Signed Jersey Pricing
Active Listings for Phil Rizzuto Signed Jerseys
Phil Rizzuto Signed Photograph Pricing
Active Listings for Phil Rizzuto Signed Photographs
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More Info
For general information and player statistics about Phil Rizzuto, visit:
